Why Should You Adopt?
I like to think that we, as American's, are educated enough to know that we should be adopting dogs from local organizations or shelters, but I am often proved wrong. Don't get me wrong, I think there is a place for dog breeders and keeping breed standards in place, but the average family would be just as happy with a rescued puppy than one from a breeder. Perhaps these statistics will open your eyes:
* Only 1 out of 10 dogs born will find forever homes
* The top 2 reasons why dogs end up in a shelter is because their owners gave up on them or Animal Control found them
* Each year 2.7 million animals are killed in shelters because they were not adopted and ran out of time. That is almost 7,400 animals per DAY
* 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds
* Only 10% of animals entering a shelter are spayed or neutered, which is adding to the overpopulation
* 7.6 million animals enter shelters every year and only 649,000 are returned to their owners
* Of the dogs that enter into shelters 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized, and 26% are returned to their owners.
* Of the cats that enter into shelters 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% are returned to their owners.
Rescues are often asked to take in pregnant dogs from other rescues, shelters, or people who find stray dogs. Other rescues and shelters will reach out simply due to the fact that finding foster homes who are willing to commit to an eight week minimum project of birthing, weighing, feeding, poop cleaning up-ing, weaning, and finding forever homes can be a tough task! I have personally taken in two mama dogs and their pups - Miss Sadie, the black lab mix, and Mama Freya, the fluffy who knows what mix. Both girls came to my house and were fabulous mama's, but one thing is for sure: it is a TON of work for both mama and human. Having puppies in the house is oh so cute, but oh so stinky! Again, spaying and neutering is the key here - I'm not saying these puppies were not welcomed into this world (because I personally showered them with love), but puppy season is upon us... and unless you want a litter to clean up after yourself, spay or neuter your pooch or kitty!
What is the most shocking to me is the number of dogs who find their way to shelters/rescues and the statistic that 1 out of 10 will find forever homes - 1 out of 10?! America needs to wake up! Imagine what these statistics are worldwide... that is a saddening thought. If that doesn't convince people to get your next pet from a shelter/rescue OR start fostering to help, then I don't know what will get people to understand.
Sure, we all wish we could save all the puppies and live on acres of land with loads of dogs (or is that just me?!), but if that isn't in your cards at least spay or neuter your pet. Irresponsible pet owners are those that do not spay or neuter their pets. Think of it as birth control for your pooch ;) I wonder how many less dogs we would have at Underdog Rescue if there were no Puppy Mills and people actually spayed or neutered their pets. What is a puppy mill you ask? Stay tuned for the next blog.
Did I get you thinking?
-Megan
* Only 1 out of 10 dogs born will find forever homes
* The top 2 reasons why dogs end up in a shelter is because their owners gave up on them or Animal Control found them
* Each year 2.7 million animals are killed in shelters because they were not adopted and ran out of time. That is almost 7,400 animals per DAY
* 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds
* Only 10% of animals entering a shelter are spayed or neutered, which is adding to the overpopulation
* 7.6 million animals enter shelters every year and only 649,000 are returned to their owners
* Of the dogs that enter into shelters 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized, and 26% are returned to their owners.
* Of the cats that enter into shelters 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% are returned to their owners.
Rescues are often asked to take in pregnant dogs from other rescues, shelters, or people who find stray dogs. Other rescues and shelters will reach out simply due to the fact that finding foster homes who are willing to commit to an eight week minimum project of birthing, weighing, feeding, poop cleaning up-ing, weaning, and finding forever homes can be a tough task! I have personally taken in two mama dogs and their pups - Miss Sadie, the black lab mix, and Mama Freya, the fluffy who knows what mix. Both girls came to my house and were fabulous mama's, but one thing is for sure: it is a TON of work for both mama and human. Having puppies in the house is oh so cute, but oh so stinky! Again, spaying and neutering is the key here - I'm not saying these puppies were not welcomed into this world (because I personally showered them with love), but puppy season is upon us... and unless you want a litter to clean up after yourself, spay or neuter your pooch or kitty!
What is the most shocking to me is the number of dogs who find their way to shelters/rescues and the statistic that 1 out of 10 will find forever homes - 1 out of 10?! America needs to wake up! Imagine what these statistics are worldwide... that is a saddening thought. If that doesn't convince people to get your next pet from a shelter/rescue OR start fostering to help, then I don't know what will get people to understand.
Sure, we all wish we could save all the puppies and live on acres of land with loads of dogs (or is that just me?!), but if that isn't in your cards at least spay or neuter your pet. Irresponsible pet owners are those that do not spay or neuter their pets. Think of it as birth control for your pooch ;) I wonder how many less dogs we would have at Underdog Rescue if there were no Puppy Mills and people actually spayed or neutered their pets. What is a puppy mill you ask? Stay tuned for the next blog.
Did I get you thinking?
-Megan
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